Gudrun · Chapter
How Gudrun Was Brought Home to Hilda explained
The Hegeling army returns home with Gudrun, her maidens, and Norman captives.
What happens
The Hegeling army returns home with Gudrun, her maidens, and Norman captives. Queen Hilda welcomes them, initially not recognizing her daughter. At Gudrun's request, Hilda reconciles with Hartmut and Ortrun. Ortwin takes Ortrun as his bride, Hartmut is freed and agrees to wed Hildeburg, and Herwic's sister is betrothed to Siegfried. A grand celebration ensues with feasting, gift-giving, and the crowning of Gudrun.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Gudrun’s su…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Family and Kinship
Gudrun's return reunites the family; marriages between former enemies solidify kinship bonds.
- Honor and Reputation
Hilda's generous welcome and gift-giving restore honor to all parties.
- Hospitality and Generosity
Hilda provides clothing, feasts, and gifts to the returning warriors and captives.
Characters to notice
- Gudrun
Returns home after long captivity; orchestrates reconciliations and marriages.
- Hilda
Welcomes the returning ships, initially does not recognize Gudrun, but later embraces her and grants her requests.
- Hartmut
Brought as a captive; freed at Gudrun's request and agrees to wed Hildeburg.
- Ortwin
Gudrun's brother; takes Ortrun as his bride after persuasion.
- Ortrun
Hartmut's sister; betrothed to Ortwin.
- Herwic
Gudrun's husband; crowns Gudrun and supports the marriages.
- Hildeburg
Gudrun's faithful maiden; betrothed to Hartmut.
- Wâ-te
Aged Hegeling warrior; carves meat at the feast.
Key passages
“She asked: “Still lives my daughter, and all her maiden band?” They answered: “Herwic brings her, his own, again to her land.””
Hilda inquires about Gudrun and is told that Herwic is bringing her home safely.
Hilda's relief and joy at the news of her daughter's return.
“Hilda, among the followers a hundred women saw; She said: “I know not truly which one from me should draw A mother’s loving welcome; unknown to me is my daughter.””
Hilda cannot recognize Gudrun among the many women and asks which one is her daughter.
The emotional moment of reunion after years of separation.
“She said: “My wish I tell you, and now your life would cheer; I, and my kinsmen with me, will give you a helpmeet fair.””
Gudrun tells Hartmut she will provide him with a fair bride to bring peace.
Gudrun's diplomatic role in arranging Hartmut's marriage to Hildeburg.
